Chinese Ministry of Education gives Massey’s transnational education portfolio major boost

In a tightly regulated system, the Chinese Ministry has the ultimate say on what transnational education (TNE) programmes can and cannot be delivered within China. Massey has been working to expand its TNE offering in China and has now received approval for the following programmes:

A Joint Education Institute (JEI) to be established in partnership with Hainan University on Hainan Island in Southern China. The JEI has approval to receive up to 1,200 students in the following two programmes: Bachelor of Animal Science and Bachelor of Agribusiness, with a third programme to be added in 2026.

Massey’s existing Joint Education Programme (JEP) with Hebei University of Technology (HEBUT) delivers the Bachelor of Information Science programme and has been successfully operating since 2015. The JEP has received a strong endorsement from the Chinese Ministry of Education and they have recently approved the student quota to increase from 120 students to 180 students per intake. Once the increase has worked through across intakes, this will take the JEP to 700 students receiving a Massey education at HEBUT.

In addition, the Ministry has approved the Master of Information Sciences to be incorporated in the HEBUT JEP. This programme will see 30 students per intake and be delivered over a two-year period at HEBUT. The opportunity to expand to a postgraduate qualification in China is exciting for both HEBUT and Massey University, and it gives bachelor students the opportunity to continue their studies with Massey in China.

Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement says, “We are absolutely delighted at this ‘double-whammy’ of good news out of China. Clearly the Chinese Government has a high degree of confidence in Massey and our management of high-quality transnational education in China.

“Massey is Aotearoa New Zealand’s number one provider of transnational education offshore. Our growing network of partnerships with top Chinese institutions reflects our long-term commitment to global collaboration. These initiatives not only enhance academic excellence but also create meaningful opportunities for students and staff across both nations."